Hall of Fame president David Baker said there was a need to add the category to address what had become a backlog of qualified candidates, including commissioners,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, owners and general managers.
Previously, contributors were included among the modern-era nomination list of players and coaches, which was limited to a maximum of five inductees. Another two spots are open to senior nominees, players whose careers ended at least 25 years ago.
Candidates for induction in the category will be defined as someone who has made "outstanding contributions to professional football in capacities other than playing or coaching,Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys."
Under the plan, two contributors and one senior player will be eligible for induction next year, followed by one contributor and two seniors in 2016. The numbers would rotate over five years and the process reassessed.
The addition was announced Wednesday, after being approved by the Hall's bylaws for the selection committee. The new category has the potential of increasing the number of annual inductees to eight.
"It is our belief that this modification will create a more level playing field," board of trustees chairman Randy Hunt said.
All nominees would still require 80 percent approval for induction,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping.
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame is adding a contributor category for nomination next year.
There are currently only 19 contributors enshrined,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, and only nine of whom were inducted over the past 46 years.
The contributor nominees will be selected by a subcommittee and presented for consideration to the 46 selectors,Jerseys Wholesale.
The proposal to add a contributor category was first raised on Friday,cheap nfl jerseys china, a day before the 2014 seven-member class was inducted.
